Thursday, August 04, 2011

Life changing week

I've been attending the AG General Council all week long in Phoenix, and for me it's really been life changing. I don't throw words around like that without really meaning it. When I say something is life changing I really mean that it's changed my life. I can't say that about every council I've ever been to, in fact I've sat through some really boring ones and there were some years I even wondered, "what in the heck is going on with the AG?" to be quite honest. But I'm telling you, something new is happening in the AG and I've never been prouder to be part of it! Years ago I had my doubts that a big change like we're seeing now would come. And I never expected it to come this quickly... but our general superintendent, George O. Wood, has moved things forward at such an accelerated pace, it's nothing short of amazing. Time after time I heard it from friends this week about how they would stack the Influence Conference (pre-conference before General Council) up against ANY conference out there hosted by the best of the best. It's true. The speakers absolutely hit it out of the ballpark and the resources offered are second to none. Other fellowships/denominations are utilizing our new resources because they are just THAT good. I was also relieved to see that with all the change our commitment to our distinctives has not changed one bit. This is a very important value to me, and to my husband.

I really believe for many people including myself it was truly a time of change, not just a stirring or another time to get momentarily whipped up. A shift has come. God spoke to my heart so many times during this council with many things for my present and my future and as I get ready to come back to Tampa, my heart is full. We have to come back a day early because I'm speaking at our district's Hope Tour this weekend, but what I've received all week long has filled me up so much it's enough to chew on for a long time.

If you have interest in watching any of the services from Council 2011 you can go to generalcouncilag.org and check it out. Not sure how long the videos will stay there, but I believe they are all there so far and there will be another service tomorrow night that I'll watch by video since I have to come back for the Hope Tour.